Gidley Welcomes Pensioners Lobby

7.06.44pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 12th Oct 2005

Liberal Democrats want a better deal for pensioners

Hampshire pensioners have joined the National Pensioners Convention lobby of parliament and have been welcomed by Lib Dem MP Sandra Gidley.

"Pensioners rightly feel let down by this Labour Government. They continue to suffer because of the unfair Council Tax and complex means-tests introduced by Gordon Brown,' commented Sandra ahead of the lobby on 12 October.

The Romsey MP, who is Liberal Democrat spokesperson for older people said she would be listening carefully to the proposals put forward by the Convention.

"The National Pensioners Convention is pressing for a new Pensioners Charter. This provides a real challenge to all political parties. Many of the things they are calling for are things I fully support. In Scotland it is Liberal Democrats in the Scottish Executive who are delivering free personal care and free public transport.

"It is disappointing that eight years into a Labour administration pensioners feel so let down that they have to come all the way to Parliament to make their point. It is about time that Tony Blair and Gordon Brown started to listen to pensioners so that they are given the dignity and security they deserve in retirement."

The Pensioners' Charter states that every pensioner should have the following rights:

• a basic state pension set above the official poverty level and linked to average male earnings.

• a warm and comfortable home.

• free health care treatment based on clinical need and an annual comprehensive health check.

• free community care and services to assist living at home.

• free long-term care.

• free nationwide travel on all public and local transport.

• free education, access to and participation in leisure and cultural activities.

• goods, services and benefits without age discrimination.

• active engagement and consultation on national and local issues affecting older citizens.

• advocacy, dignity, respect and fair treatment in all aspects of their lives.